Kristy Baughman
Kristy Baughman is the Executive Director of UCS. Kristy has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Prior to joining UCS, Kristy spent more than 12 years working...
HISTORY & CORE WORK
Since 1967, UCS has been the catalyst and resource to ensure that the human service system meets the needs of Johnson County, Kansas residents. UCS is a planning partner with United Way of Greater Kansas City and provides information, trends analysis and documentation to enhance community-wide planning and decision-making. The core work of UCS is illuminating needs and solutions through Education & Advocacy, fostering a framework for collaboration through Mobilizing & Planning, and prioritizing community investments through Targeted Resource Allocation.
To learn more about the initiatives United Community Services has been part of over the years, click here.
UCS annually presents the Human Service Awards. The awards pay tribute to individuals and organizations making a lasting difference in the community. Read about our current award recipients and view our list of past recipients.
Mission
The mission of United Community Services of Johnson County is to provide data analysis, lead collaborative planning and mobilize resources to enhance the availability and delivery of health and human services.
Vision
UCS’ vision is that all people have the opportunity to fulfill their potential and contribute to the health and well-being of the community.
Guiding Principles
Based on the belief that all individuals and entities contribute to and share responsibility for the common good, the following principles guide UCS activities:
- Human services play a vital role in a healthy community, advance quality of life and contribute to economic vitality.
- All community sectors play valuable roles in advancing human service solutions.
- Human services can be strengthened through policy advocacy and resource investment.
- Collaboration fosters a comprehensive approach to multi-faceted challenges.
- Community planning can produce strategic change and improvements.
UCS Intended Impact
United Community Services is committed to a community in which:
- Local human service concerns are recognized and addressed.
- The health and human service network responds effectively to community concerns.
- Resource allocation meets human service needs.
- Indicators of individual and community well-being show improvement.
Budget, Audit and Annual Report
2025 Executive Committee
Officers
- Erik Erazo, President
- Dr. L. Michael McCloud, PhD, Vice President
- Vicki Webster, Secretary
- Hon. Jenifer Ashford, Treasurer
Board Members
- Dr. Putul Allen, MD
- Hon. Jenifer Ashford
- Rev. Cheryl Jefferson Bell
- Erik Erazo
- Molly Haase
- Robin Rollins Harrold
- Patty Markley
- Dr. L. Michael McCloud, PhD
- Rogeana Patterson-King
- Jeff Short
- Nolan Sunderman
- David Waters
- Vicki Webster
- Vanessa Vaughn West
- Dave White
- Michael Wilson
Council of Advisors
- Mary Birch
- Pat Colloton
- Dr. Stuart Day
- Hon. Peggy Dunn
- Ed Eilert
- Jeff Ellis
- Rev. Adam Hamilton
- Ellen Hanson
- Terrie Huntington
- Audrey Langworthy
- Penny Postoak Ferguson
- Jill Quigley
- Tom Robinett
- Clint Robinson
- Carol Sader
- Brad Stratton
- Charlie Sunderland
- Hon. Stephen Tatum
- David Warm
Persons interested in serving on the UCS board may complete a Statement of Interest form.
Staff
Christina Ashie Guidry
Christina Ashie Guidry is the Director of Policy & Planning at United Community Services (UCS) and joined the team in 2020. Christina convenes a statewide coalition of partners...
Erika Garcia Reyes
Erika García Reyes is the Director of Resource Allocation. Erika facilitates the Human Service Fund volunteer review process, a city-county fund that supports programs which promot...
Rachel Russell
Rachel Russell is the Director of Equity and Community Engagement. Rachel supports the integration of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging into the core work of UCS and leads...
Cathy Goodwin
Cathy Goodwin is the Administrative Coordinator. Cathy provides office and computer support for the UCS staff, manages the website and social media sites, and acts as liaison to te...
Jackie Gildo
Jackie Gildo serves as the Special Projects Intern at UCS, where she plays a role in supporting the Human Service Fund. In this capacity, she closely works with Erika Garcia Reyes ...